LA PLATA, Md. - The Town of La Plata announced on Monday that it has hired a new town manager. The La Plata Town Council agreed to hire Daniel Mears
(pictured at left), the Assistant City Manager of Hazelwood, Missouri, to be its new town manager. The position had previously been held by Douglas R. Miller for over eighteen years. Mears will begin work by July 1, 2007.
Mears currently serves as the Assistant City Manager and the Economic Developer for Hazelwood, in St. Louis County, Missouri. Previously, he was the City Manager for Ellisville, Missouri. Mr. Mears is a Credentialed Manager through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), as well as a Certified Economic Developer through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The Town Council says they engaged in a national search to find an individual that had the "right blend of experience that would serve La Plata well." Mayor Ambrogio stated that the Town Council is of the opinion that Mr. Mears has the qualifications for the Town Manager position and anticipates a good working relationship with him.
Mears is originally from the east coast and has family in Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. He will move to La Plata with his wife Maureen and son Danny.
"La Plata is a wonderful community with a fantastic downtown. I look forward to serving the community as Town Manager, and my family looks forward to making it our home," said Mears in a released statement.
La Plata is a growing community of over 10,000 residents. The town is located in Southern Maryland about 30 miles southeast of Washington, DC, 60 miles south of Baltimore and 45 miles southwest of Annapolis. The Town of La Plata serves as the county seat for the Charles County Government and was originally founded in the 1870's as the Pennsylvania Railroad was granted a right of way to build its tracks and station. The Town of La Plata was incorporated on April 4, 1888. The town is served by a five member Town Council.